Forerunner

/ˈfɔːrˌrʌnər/

Meaning & Definition

noun

A person or thing that precedes the coming or development of someone or something else.

The invention of the telephone was a forerunner to modern communication technologies.

A prototype or an early model of something.

The Model T Ford was a forerunner in the automotive industry.

A herald or sign of something to come.

The dark clouds were a forerunner of the storm that was about to arrive.

A predecessor or ancestor.

Many consider the ancient Greeks to be the forerunners of modern Western philosophy.

A person who runs ahead, especially in a race.

She was the forerunner of the marathon, leading the pack in the first half of the race.

Late Middle English, from Old English forerunner.

Forerunner of change

Something that indicates or brings about a transformation.

Forerunner to disaster

An event or condition that foreshadows a disastrous outcome.

Forerunner in technology

A pioneer in technological advancements.

precursor

Something that precedes another and indicates its approach.

pioneer

A person who is among the first to explore or innovate in a particular field.

trailblazer

A person who is the first to do something in a particular area.

The one who sets the trend.

He's a forerunner in fashion; everyone copies his style.

An early adopter of new ideas.

She's always been a forerunner when it comes to tech gadgets.